Locals and guests turned out in drive on Saturday for the naming ceremony of Kippford RNLI’s new lifeboat – a yr after it arrived on station.
The brand new boat got here to Kippford Lifeboat Station on April 27 final yr however pandemic restrictions meant the event needed to be postponed.
Dry climate held lengthy sufficient for assembled company to benefit from the outside a part of the occasion, which included naming The Ronnie Sinclair and a service of dedication.
The boat was gifted to the RNLI by a legacy bequest from Sheila Sinclair, who was a eager supporter of the RNLI throughout her life, latterly spent in North Berwick.
She requested that the lifeboat be named in reminiscence of her late brother Ronnie who spent a few years serving within the Royal Navy.
The ceremony was opened by Jim Prentice, chairman of the Lifeboat Administration Group who welcomed everybody to the occasion specifically members of the Sinclair household.
Nicola Crawford, daughter of Ronnie Sinclair, handed the lifeboat into the care of the RNLI.
She mentioned: “It’s an honour to have the ability to hand this lifeboat to the RNLI named after my dad and donated by my aunt.
“Though she didn’t know which a part of Scotland the lifeboat would find yourself in I feel Sheila can be delighted to see it right here in Kippford on this stunning a part of the nation.”
Volunteers at Kippford RNLI had been happy that so many members of the Sinclair household had been capable of attend.
Kippford Lifeboat Operations Supervisor Gareth Jones gratefully accepted the Ronnie Sinclair on behalf of the station and crew and informed company the lifeboat had already launched seven instances since being on station
He mentioned: “I communicate on behalf of everybody at Kippford RNLI after I say this can be a proud day for the station.”
Roger Lockwood, RNLI trustee and chairman of the Scottish RNLI Council, accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the RNLI and handed it into the care of Kippford Lifeboat Station.
He mentioned: “The beneficiant bequest for this lifeboat stands for 2 issues – firstly the reminiscence of Ronnie Sinclair, and secondly it's a reward of life.
“This boat might be used to avoid wasting lives and we’re grateful for the administration staff, crew, fundraisers and supporters at Kippford who allow that to occur.”
The service of dedication was led by the Reverend Oonagh Dee earlier than Mr Prentice invited Norma Sinclair with Angus, Isobel and Stella Crawford to call the lifeboat.
Following a vote of thanks the lifeboat was launched and the volunteer crew gave the assembled crowd an illustration of the D-class vessel’s pace and manoeuvrability.
Company had been then invited to hitch the crew for refreshments on the village corridor.
On the shut a bouquet of flowers was offered to Norma Sinclair by native lady Ava McDonald.